Pregnancy is a highly anticipated and meaningful journey for many couples. Once pregnancy is confirmed, expectant parents naturally want to do everything possible to ensure the best outcomes. One essential step during pregnancy is undergoing Antenatal Care (ANC).
Antenatal care plays a crucial role in supporting both the physical and mental well-being of pregnant women, helping them prepare for childbirth in a healthier and more confident way.
Beyond that, ANC offers many benefits for both the mother and the developing baby. Below is a detailed explanation of antenatal care and why it is important.
For more information on pregnancy screening, see:
“TORCH Screening During Pregnancy: Purpose and Procedure”
Understanding Antenatal Care
Antenatal Care (ANC) refers to routine medical check-ups specifically designed for pregnant women, conducted by doctors or midwives to optimise maternal physical and mental health throughout pregnancy.
During pregnancy, women are advised to attend at least four comprehensive ANC visits, scheduled as follows:
- First visit: Before the 4th month of pregnancy
- Second visit: Around the 6th month of pregnancy
- Third visit: At approximately 8 months of pregnancy
- Fourth visit: At 9 months of pregnancy
Why is antenatal care strongly recommended? Pregnant women are more vulnerable to certain health conditions, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, which may negatively affect fetal development and increase the risk of complications during childbirth.
Regular ANC visits help detect and manage these risks early, ensuring safer outcomes for both mother and baby.
What Is the Purpose of Antenatal Care?
The primary purpose of antenatal care is to monitor the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. More broadly, ANC aims to:
- Detect potential complications during pregnancy, including underlying health conditions that may not present noticeable symptoms
- Prepare mothers physically and mentally for safe and healthy childbirth
- Reduce the risk of complications or maternal and neonatal mortality during delivery
- Support preparation for exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring optimal nutrition for the baby
- Help mothers adapt to their new role after childbirth and prepare families for infant care to support healthy growth and development
When Should Antenatal Care Be Performed?
Antenatal care should begin early in pregnancy, ideally during the first trimester, and continue regularly until delivery.
For optimal monitoring, pregnant women are advised to attend ANC visits at least four times, typically at:
- Up to 4 months of pregnancy
- Around 6 months of pregnancy
- At 8 months of pregnancy
- At 9 months of pregnancy
Steps in Antenatal Care Examination
1. Weight Measurement
Weight monitoring helps assess healthy weight gain during pregnancy and detect potential fetal growth problems. Maternal height is also measured to identify possible risk factors that may complicate delivery.
2. Blood Pressure Check
Blood pressure monitoring is essential for early detection of preeclampsia, a condition that can endanger pregnancy.
Normal blood pressure during pregnancy typically ranges between 90–120/60–80 mmHg. Readings above 140/90 mmHg may indicate preeclampsia.
3. Nutritional Status Assessment
Nutritional status is assessed by measuring the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), usually during the first trimester.
A MUAC measurement below 23.5 cm may indicate chronic energy deficiency, which increases the risk of low birth weight (LBW) in newborns.
4. Fundal Height Measurement
Measuring the height of the uterine fundus helps estimate fetal growth and development. A normal fundal height generally corresponds closely to gestational age (±2 cm).
5. Fetal Presentation and Heart Rate Assessment
As delivery approaches, ANC helps determine whether the baby has entered the pelvis. Fetal heart rate monitoring is essential to detect signs of fetal distress and ensure prompt intervention if necessary.
6. Tetanus Vaccination
Tetanus immunisation protects pregnant women against tetanus infection and is an important part of prenatal care.
7. Iron Supplementation
Iron tablets help prevent iron-deficiency anaemia during pregnancy. Pregnant women are generally advised to consume at least 90 iron tablets throughout pregnancy to support healthy blood levels and prepare for delivery.
8. Laboratory Tests
Laboratory examinations during antenatal care may include:
- Blood type and Rhesus factor
- Urine protein analysis
- Blood glucose levels
- Haemoglobin levels
- Syphilis screening
- HIV testing
9. Special Management
Additional medical management is provided if potential risks or complications are detected during pregnancy. Early detection through routine ANC allows timely and appropriate treatment.
10. Consultation and Counselling
The final step involves consultation with a doctor or midwife to discuss maternal and fetal health, address concerns, and provide guidance throughout pregnancy.
For further reading, see:
“Cervical Cancer Vaccine: Is Early Vaccination Necessary?”
Access Antenatal Care Services in Denpasar
Antenatal care is vital in supporting maternal and fetal health before and during childbirth. Regular ANC visits help ensure a safer pregnancy journey and healthier outcomes.
RSIA Bunda Denpasar is one of the healthcare facilities in Indonesia offering comprehensive antenatal care services supported by modern medical facilities.
In addition to ANC, RSIA Bunda Denpasar provides women’s health services, maternity care, 24/7 emergency services, teleconsultation, home care, and more.
Contact our team to learn more about available antenatal care packages.
